MOBILE, Alabama -- The Mobile Area Orchid Society’s 36th annual show and sale is Feb. 22-24 at the Mobile Botanical Gardens in Langan Park.

If you love orchids, or just want to learn more about them, this event is for you, said Beverly Stephens of the society. Society members will present elaborate displays of many types of orchids, which are then judged by members of the American Orchid Society. There is no admission fee.

Stephens is hopeful that at least one black orchid will be part of the show. “People are fascinated by it,” she said, noting that several were in the recent orchid show in Gautier, Miss. “This is the time of year that they bloom.”

Many orchids will be available for purchase, and several regional vendors will be on hand.

Different types of orchids bloom at different times of the year, but many varieties bloom in winter, Stephens said. The show will have many varieties of cattleya orchids – “when you think of a big lavender corsage orchid, that’s pretty much what it looks like,” Stephens said – and cymbidiums, another classic. Some of the unusual orchids will be miniatures, less than 6 inches tall, she added.

Orchids grow in climates all over the world, and if you want to grow your own, all you have to do is duplicate their preferred environment and temperature, Stephens said. “I have a kitchen window full of tiny ones. My husband loves to buy orchids and bring them home for me to take care of.”

The Mobile Area Orchid Society has been affiliated with the American Orchid Society since 1950. The society meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. (with the exception of June) in the second-floor board room at Bay Bank, 6140 Airport Blvd. Anyone interested in joining is invited to attend. For more information, email hnstephens1950@bellsouth.net. Website: www.mobile-area-orchid-society.org.